August 2007

Dear Families,

Greetings! Returning families have known me as Chap, Third Grade teacher, committed to actively incorporating diversity and community into my work with students, families and colleagues.   As of July, my title became Director of Diversity and Community, committed to, well, the same cause.

During one of my last parent/teacher conferences a parent asked me about my 'philosophy on diversity.'   I gave him an answer, not sure if it was what he was expecting.   It turned out it was.   I spoke about the importance of reflecting on who we are in relation to the group(s) we identify with and the values we uphold.   This self-reflection, I have come to understand, is necessary for the overall goal of uniting our common values.   When we are confident about ourselves, and can boldly speak from the "I perspective," we are ready to enter into true dialogue.   Dialogue allows us to work productively toward shared goals.

Over the past 15 years I have attended numerous diversity-training seminars and joined committees dedicated to diversity work.   Some of these conferences, for example, the NAIS Annual People of Color Conference and POCIS/NY, a committee of educators of color in independent schools, focus on nourishing the particular needs of people of color.   Other organizations work towards creating equitable environments by collaborating with people of all different affinity groups.   For example, years ago I co-chaired the NY metro chapter of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network and this year I have the honor of co-chairing the New York State Association of Independent School's Diversity Committee. I have adopted the motto of NAIS's Leadership Education and Diversity Team: Empowering Unity Through Diversity .

My 'philosophy on diversity' has been influenced by a growing awareness of my particular affinities and my partnership with people outside of my affinity groups.   I identify myself as Latina, born and raised in El Barrio (a middle/class to poor yet vibrant section of Manhattan also known as Spanish Harlem).   I am Christian and a lesbian.   And I'm a mom of two!   My partner is a White woman raised in the mid-west and our children are mixed raced (our daughter is Latina and African American and our son is Latino and White).

LREI has a long-standing commitment to diversity, social justice, and community.   Parents and faculty can join an affinity group to help share information and promote collaboration within the larger LREI community. SEED and the Multicultural Committee allow individuals to actively engage in safe, personal, and meaningful dialogue.    In the coming year, my goal is to help strengthen our involvement in dialogue around diversity and community.   I look forward to more conversations in the future.

Your thoughts, questions, or suggestions are welcome. Contact me either by phone (x294), or by e-mail schapman@lrei.org, if you'd like to further discuss any of the above diversity and community initiatives and opportunities.   Thank you for bringing your seat to the LREI table.   

Best,

Sandra (Chap) Chapman